R&D Internship - Corrosion Protection

Location:

Zurich, Zurich, CH

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

About VAT Group At VAT, we change the world with vacuum solutions. As the world’s leading supplier of high-performance vacuum valves, we have been driving innovation for more than 60 years. With over 3,200 employees worldwide, we operate from our headquarters in Haag, Switzerland, with manufacturing sites in Switzerland, Malaysia and Romania, as well as sales and service hubs around the world. We are guided by our passions integrity, teamwork, customer centricity, and innovation – always working together as #oneVAT.

Joining us means becoming part of a passionate, international team where your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your career growth is supported.

R&D Internship - Corrosion Protection Purpose of the role We at VAT Group AG invite a talented and passionate Internship candidate to join our Corporate R&D.

Fueled by the ever-growing demand for computational power, the leading-edge technology nodes (≤7nm) require process control at the atomic scale. At VAT, we are developing the next generation of advanced sensing and vacuum solutions for the semiconductor industry. Semiconductor manufacturing processes often utilize corrosive gases and plasma environments that pose a risk for VAT’s products. We are seeking an intern to join our team and focus on advancing the corrosion protection strategies for our sensors and products. This internship will be located in Zürich, Switzerland and will require occasional travel to Haag, Switzerland.

What We Offer

• Join a global leader at the forefront of semiconductor innovation, we are a globally leading company in the semiconductor industry.
• A technologically advanced and innovative working environment with Modern Laboratory and testing facilities.
• Thrive in a collaborative, innovative environment that celebrates bold ideas and outstanding execution — where your potential knows no bounds.
• Enjoy an exceptional working environment with great amenities at our VAT Group offices in Zurich and Haag.
• Receive competitive compensation and benefits aligned with your expertise and contributions.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of protective measures to enhance material and sensor durability under extreme conditions.
• Assist in the design, implementation, and testing of corrosion protection strategies.
• Conduct failure analysis and material testing to identify failure mechanisms.
• Design experiments for testing the durability of VAT’s products in plasma etching systems.

Your competencies acquired at the end of the internship Skills This internship aims to provide you with practical skills and knowledge in testing and experimental procedures in the semiconductor industry, preparing you for a future technical career. As a research & development intern in our dynamic environment, you will get the opportunity to work on real-life industrial challenges. By the end of the internship, you will have acquired the following competencies:

• Technical Skills: Gain hands-on experience in a cross-disciplinary project, where you will expand your knowledge in physics, chemistry, materials science, and both mechanical and electrical engineering.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to plan, execute, and evaluate experiments, and to analyze and interpret experimental data.
• Communication Skills: Experience in presenting technical information and progress reports, as well as participating in technical discussions.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Practical experience in diagnosing and solving real-world problems in the semiconductor industry.
• Collaboration Skills: Work within a dynamic team, including engineers, materials scientists, and designers, to address complex challenges.
• Industry Experience: Insight into the practical aspects of product design, testing, and refinement within a commercial product development cycle.

Qualifications

• Current master’s student or recently completed master’s degree in materials science, chemistry, physics, or engineering.
• Excellent communication skills, able to work independently, and passionate about learning.
• Experience with or knowledge of material characterization and semiconductor fabrication.
• (optional) Understanding of dry etching processes and thin-film deposition processes.
• (optional) Practical experience working in a laboratory or clean environment.

Our commitment to inclusion, fairness and equal opportunities We believe in meaningful careers, continuous learning, and equal opportunities for everyone to drive our innovation and success. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. If you have concerns, our compliance channel is available at our website. All reports are handled with strict confidentiality and in accordance with our Code of Conduct.